"The Christ Whisperer"

I have enjoyed watching a television series aired on the Discovery Channel featuring Cesar Millan who is known as "The Dog Whisperer." It is a fascinating series that depicts Cesar Millan going into homes of people who are having trouble with their dogs. His goal is "to rehabilitate dogs... to train people." He has seen overwhelming success in dealing with some of the dogs that everyone else has virtually given up on. His experience with both dogs and people have proven to be an amazing encounter.

I wonder today if we need more people who might engage themselves in our world and see their role as the "the Christ Whisperers" for our generation. It might involve spending time with people. It also might involve not giving up on people that others have given up on. It could mean not giving ourselves to "easy answers", but looking at the vastness of the life experience all around us.

How powerful could it be this week to "whisper a prayer" for someone that they might experience the transforming power of Jesus? Perhaps their life and ours could be changed. It's just a thought and a concept to consider while we enjoy coffee throughout the day. It may be a new way to approach life!

"Encouragement Needed"

Recently I received a letter from a fellow colleague in ministry who had in bold letters at the top of his letterhead these words, "Minister of Encouragement." I don't know about you, but that's just what I need. Every time I turn around, I seem to find many people who enjoy sharing their discouragements and hostility. What kind of world would it be if we had more people who were ministers of encouragement?

Laughter can be help to the many things that get us down. I remember a special man by the name of Grady Nutt. He died many years ago, but he was often referred to as the "Minister of Humor." Every time I had the opportunity to hear him speak, I went away refreshed and encouraged. He could tell the funniest stories and have everyone in the house falling out of their chairs with laughter. Laughter is needed in our lives. Laughter has a way of making a gloomy day seem bright again.

A former neighbor of mine told me a story about a man who moved down from the north. He wanted to know what the people were like down here and he wanted to find good neighbors. The lady asked him, "What kind of neighbors did you have in the place you moved from?" He said to her, "They were the worst neighbors you could ever have." The lady went on to say, "You probably won't like the neighbors down here either. If you will be a good neighbor, you will have good neighbors." There is much truth to what this wonderful lady had to say.

Let' s try to be good neighbors and encourage somebody this week!

Memories of Thanksgiving

I can remember so vividly the times when my parents and I would go and visit my Aunt Ree and Uncle Frank on Thanksgiving Day. There would be other family members present and we would sit around eating delicious food and watching football. My aunt always seemed to bring out the fruit cake. The traditional meal would include such things as Turkey and Dressing, and so many good things. The best thing about the day was being together with other friends and family members. We didn't have to "be anywhere" or "go anywhere", but just enjoy the moments.

Today our lifestyle is dramatically different, but we still enjoy being with family. We often chose chicken over turkey although we enjoy both. My wife makes a fantastic Sweet Potato Souffle. She makes a green bean casserole and we always enjoy good coffee. Best of all we are all together!

Cherish the moments and enjoy them because life has a way of changing before our very eyes.

"It's just not the same"

I'm sure there have been days for all of us when we have reflected on the past and talked about the many changes that have occurred. Life is full of changes everyday. Some of the changes are for the better while some of them may point us in a dismal direction. We can't go backwards, but we must move forward.

The Living Section of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution had an interesting list of top television shows in 1967 compared to 2006. Here are the shows that made the list.

The top TV shows in 1967 were:
The Andy Griffith Show
The Lucy Show
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C
Gunsmoke
Family Affair

The top TV shows in 2006 are:
Grey's Anatomy
CSI
Desperate Housewives
Lost
Dancing with the Stars

The US Population has gone from 200 million in 1967 to 300 million in 2006. The price of a home was $ 24,600 in 1967 compared with $ 290,600 in 2006. The cost of gas in 1967 was 33 cents and now in 2006 has gone as high as $3.00 a gallon. The cost of a First Class Stamp in 1967 was 5 cents and now in 2006 it is 39 cents. The world population in 1967 was 3.5 billion and in 2006 it is 6.5 billion. The number of farms in 1967 totaled 3.2 million compared with 2.1 million in 2006.

One thing is for sure: "It's just not the same!"

"A Retreat in Savannah"

It's good to get away for a few days of retreat and renewal. Fifteen people from our church journeyed to the beautiful coastal city of Savannah. It is a city full of history and new beginnings. We shared devotion times together both in the early morning and in the late Evening. Participants of our retreat led us in wonderful times of devotion and prayer.

Retreats are always full of the unexpected and sometime catch us by surprise. We went to eat at Carey Hillard's restaurant on Sunday Evening and the most unusual thing happened. Our waiter came to the table carrying five glasses of water on his tray. All of a sudden, all five glasses of water came pouring down on my wife, Wilda, much like the scene of a coach getting water poured on him after the big game. The scene was simply amazing. Water went everywhere and ice cubes lined the floor. Our waiter, who had only been on the job two weeks didn't know what to do. I don't believe I've ever seen our group laugh so much. His fellow waiters got a pretty good laugh out of the situation as well. Such is the unexpected moments of life.

Some of our group members went on a Gospel Riverboat Cruise down the Savannah River. They enjoyed a big meal, and music on a big boat of tourists wanting a good time in the Evening. Others from our group found a unique place serving Italian food with excellent service. It was an Evening full of varied inspiration and fun.

Our hotel was located right across the street from Hunter-Army Airfield in Savannah. Those big planes would come soaring over the hotel making ready for a landing. Helicopters would come like yellow jackets trying to find a nest. They came in from almost every direction. It was really something.

The most amazing thing from the retreat was "fellowship." Every chance they got and late at night, members of our group could be found in the lobby playing games and drinking coffee. It was a time to enjoy being together. You never know what unexpected things will come our way. Get ready because some of the best moments of our lives might just happen today.

Are you ready?

"An Early Start to Labor Day"

Labor Day started early for me this year as it does most years. I participated once again in the running of the U.S. 10K Classic held each year in Marietta. It is a challenging course going from Cumberland Mall to Whitewater Park. It is mostly an uphill journey, but it is perhaps the most organized event that I will participate in all year long.

They have runners, walkers, cycles, in-line skaters, wheelchairs, and much more. Over 11,000 people get up on Labor Day very early to join in this endeavor that supports Charities that can help children. I am always amazed and astonished as the Green Berets come flying through the sky on their gliders carrying various banners. One of those will be the United States Flag which will fly prominently as the National Anthem is played. The Green Berets will land right on the starting line. It is something to behold.

I am always amazed at spectators along the way who get up early to find a great seat to cheer runners, participants, and family onward. Workers are eager to pass out water along the way. After you reach the finish line, there is a host of food, drink, music, and all sorts of things to help you celebrate the long endeavor.

It's easy to stay in bed, but some things on some days are just worth getting up for.

"The Dogs Days of Summer"

The "Dog days of Summer" have often referred to a period of time during the summer when the temperatures get hot and the humidity is humid. July and August have been in the midst of such a season. For the Atlanta Braves, the "Dog days of Summer" is taking on a new note. On Sunday, August 27th, the Atlanta Braves have made arrangements where an individual can bring their dog to the game with them. They have a special seat and price arrangement set up and the person must fax to the Braves a record of vaccinations. Can you imagine what the stadium will look and sound like on that Sunday?

People "bark" all the time at the umpires over questionable calls. Just imagine a stadium filled with dogs who are barking whenever and wherever they wish. Just imagine the vendor with popcorn or cotton candy and the dogs trying to take it away from him/her. The Braves have the "wave" which is an organized or disorganized attempt to get fan participation in standing up and sitting down in sequence to cheer the home team on. Imagine, the dogs who are used to such aerobic activity. What about the poor folks who clean up after the game is over. Normally, they are cleaning away the cups, coke, beer, and other items. The dogs will be long remembered by these folks as they clean their stinky and wastes. What a day to attend a Braves game!

Enjoy the day and opportunity to share what God is doing in such a beautiful and diverse world!
Ed

"A Friend"

Sometimes I might ask someone the question: "How many friends do you have?" They will usually respond with something like: "I've got worlds of friends - I just have so many friends." Either they didn't hear the question or we have a different interpretation over what constitutes a friend. John Blake in the "Living Section" of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution quotes a study by Duke University and would suggest that the average American now has only two people they can confide in which is nearly a one-third drop from 20 years ago.

There is something dynamic and wonderful about having a friend that you can open up your heart to. That friend will listen but never turn on you. That friend is someone you can call day or night. That friend is someone you can share your deepest and darkest secrets with. It is wonderful to find people that we can depend on and share special moments of our lives.

Some might blame computers and cell phones, but I would suggest that there is a "lack of trust." Just take a look at the popular bestseller list and many of the books are about people who have turned on what once was described as "a friend." Loyalty has become a lost art in our world as individuals forsake friendship for dollars or other relationships.

If you have a friend or two today, cherish them! Give thanks to God for the friends in your life! They will difficult to replace!